UEFA Upholds Suspension of Benfica's Prestianni Over Alleged Racism Against Vinicius Jr

Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior accused Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni of racial abuse during their Champions League playoff first leg, leading to a 10-minute game halt. Prestianni denied the allegations, and Benfica supported him, while UEFA activated its anti-racism protocol but found no evidence during the match. UEFA later suspended Prestianni for one game and rejected Benfica's appeal against the ban. Real Madrid's Thibaut Courtois criticized Benfica coach Jose Mourinho for suggesting Vinicius' celebration provoked the incident.